Circular economy products emerging out of WA lithium hydroxide production

Repurposing the co-products of lithium hydroxide production offers new economic opportunities for the civil works and construction sectors

As global interest in sustainable practices continues to grow, WA-based lithium hydroxide producers are actively pursuing alternative economic co-products of lithium hydroxide production, in particular De-lithiated Beta Spodumene (DBS). 

For every tonne of lithium hydroxide produced, between processing, an estimated eight and eleven tonnes of DBS is produced. This leaves refiners with the logistically complex task of relocating and repurposing growing quantities of DBS. Circular economy solutions that allow this DBS to be used as a sustainable substitute for cement and sand in construction are being actively pursued, with WA’s mineral research and technical capacity centrally engaged in this work. After completing required trials, the commercialisation of DBS represents a unique convergence of WA’s industrial, environmental, and strategic priorities.

In February 2025, the Western Australian Government announced a research partnership between industry, research bodies and WA Government Departments to evaluate new purposes for lithium industry co-products. Since then, a demonstration project utilising DBS has been implemented in the Wilman Wadandi Highway (Bunbury Outer Ring Road Project) as part of this partnership (pictured). 

By converting DBS materials into valuable inputs, lithium hydroxide producers can improve their sustainability credentials and diversify value chains whilst increasing resilience and supporting circular economy initiatives. The WA Government is working closely with the industry to ensure and support regulatory requirements are in place.

By diversifying value adding products in the lithium industry – enhancing both environmental outcomes and operational efficiency – Western Australia is well-positioned to lead the transition toward a resilient circular economy.